Ahead of World Ocean Day on June 8, On Water Expeditions is reaffirming its commitment to protecting the world’s oceans and waterways through responsible small ship travel, marine conservation partnerships, and initiatives aimed at reducing single use plastics and food related waste across its operations and supply chain. Supporting the 2026 World Ocean Day theme, One Ocean, One Climate, One Future — Together, the adventure cruise brand is focused on ensuring tourism contributes positively to the long-term protection of marine environments and coastal communities.
On Water Expeditions specialises in immersive, small-group journeys that access remote waterways using smaller vessels designed to minimise environmental and social impact compared to large-scale cruising operations. Part of the World Expeditions Travel Group (WETG), the brand works with operating partners that demonstrate strong commitment to responsible tourism, environmental management and continuous sustainability improvement.
Sue Badyari, CEO of World Expeditions Travel Group who was named Sustainable Champion of the Year in the 2025 Women in Travel Awards, said responsible marine tourism has an important role to play in protecting marine environments and ensuring travellers contribute positively to the destinations they visit.
“Sustainability certification and commitment to responsible tourism are important considerations when selecting our operating partners,” Badyari said. “We look closely at environmental management practices, waste and single-use plastic reduction initiatives, wildlife and marine conservation measures.”
In 2026, the organisation is placing particular focus on understanding and reducing single-use plastics (SUP) and food-related waste throughout its tourism supply chain. Surveys currently underway across operators and accommodation providers are helping identify opportunities to minimise plastic pollution through reusable and refill systems, more sustainable food practices and waste reduction initiatives that support healthier marine ecosystems and waterways.
The work aligns closely with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life Below Water, which aims to conserve and sustainably use the world’s oceans, seas and marine resources.
Through the World Expeditions Foundation’s Regenerative Travel 2030 program, the group also supports conservation initiatives designed to protect vulnerable marine habitats and species while strengthening local stewardship of coastal environments. Projects delivered and funded to date include Risso’s Dolphin Satellite Tagging in Portugal, initiatives combating plastic waste in Bali river systems, and Ecuador’s Waves of Change program, which supports ocean education and marine stewardship for future generations.
Badyari said smaller-scale expedition cruising can play an important role in fostering greater environmental awareness among travellers while distributing tourism benefits more responsibly across remote communities.
“Our travellers want meaningful experiences that connect them to the natural world, and increasingly they also want to know their travel choices are supporting positive outcomes for the environments they visit,” she said. “World Ocean Day is an important reminder that protecting oceans and waterways requires collective action from travellers, tourism operators and communities alike.”
